Marion L. Galvin, of Chastellux Avenue in Newport, RI, passed away on October 19, 2026, at the Village House, in her favorite Fifth Ward.
Born in Newport on July 28, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Michael F. and Helen A. (Sullivan) Downey. A graduate of St. Catherine’s Academy, she worked for 21 years as a court secretary at Newport County Superior Court and previously worked with the detectives of the Newport Police Department. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Augustin’s Church.
Known affectionately as “The Purple Lady,” Marion embraced her absolute love of her favorite color.
She is survived by her son, Thomas A. Galvin; Mary Lou Grimes of Newport; her two granddaughters, Molly Grimes (Sagiv Ashkenazi) of Montclair, NJ, and Leslie Grimes (Matthew Bruneau) of Portsmouth, RI, her great grandchildren Liam, Maya Lou and Eli; her sister, Grace Curran; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin A. Galvin, and her daughter, Kathy.
Visitation will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Augustin’s Church, corner of Carroll & Harrison Ave, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown Lane, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s own choice. Forever loved. Missed dearly.
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